hands-on

[handz-on, -awn] / ˈhændzˈɒn, -ˈɔn /

ADJECTIVE

active participation; experiential

Synonyms

STRONGEST

firsthand

STRONG

manual primary

WEAK

direct experienced explicit immediate individual intimate

Antonyms

STRONGEST

automatic computerized impersonal indirect

WEAK

second-hand

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"You can feed and watch them, but if you want something hands-on, they're not the right choice," she added.

From BBC • Apr. 26, 2026

Artificial intelligence used for real-world, hands-on tasks -- so-called physical AI -- was in focus this year in Hanover at the world's biggest industrial technology fair, which brings together more than 3,000 exhibitors.

From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026

As AI sweeps into white-collar workplaces, old-timey hands-on jobs are getting a new look—and some of those professions even have shortages.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

Schwimmer emphasized that fields like paleontology and other Earth sciences offer valuable opportunities for students to participate in hands-on research close to home.

From Science Daily • Apr. 15, 2026

I thought this internship would be more hands-on.

From "From the Desk of Zoe Washington" by Janae Marks